THE cost of keeping Thames Valley's streets safe is set to rise next year, after a new budget was decided at a meeting of the Police Authority today.

The increase will mean the average band D council tax payer will be paying an extra £5.57 to the police.

Christine Weston, Police Authority chairman said: "The budget agreed today represents an increase of just 11 pence per week for the average band D council tax payer in Thames Valley.

"It will enable us to build on our recent successes, such as the 7 per cent reduction in all crime since April 2007 which is helping to alleviate people's fear of crime. It will also allow us to make additional investment in protective services."

The extra funding will let Thames Valley Police recruit another 21 police officers, and four more police staff members. This will mean there will be 4,160 officers in the region by March 2009.

Chief Constable Sara Thornton said: "We have been very aware of the need to keep any increase in council tax to a minimum while ensuring that we provide improved protection to the people of Thames Valley.

"The increase in police officers will allow us to invest in more detective posts and sergeants."

The budget also allows for costs such as pay increases and more investment in neighbourhood policing schemes.